The
ALLENSTOWN SCHOOL BOARD
MINUTES OF MEETING
PRESENT: Tom
Irzyk, Jason Carrier, Evelyn Guilbeault, Karen LaPlume, Louise L’Heureux, Attorney
Scott Johnson, Larry Anderson, Matt Fifield, Betsey Cox-Buteau, Terri Kenny, Fran
Severance, Tom Haley.
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at
2.
Attorney Scott Johnson was present to update the board on the activities of the Claremont Coalition and the current funding lawsuits. He indicated that the Coalition continues to seek a basic definition of an adequate education. He reviewed current state funding practices. They are looking at the possibility of joining with some of the other existing groups which are pursuing lawsuits over funding equity. The board discussed various ways to establish what an adequate education would entail.
3. Minutes of Previous Meeting
A
motion to approve the
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION PASSED
4. Immediate Business
A. Citizens’ Comments
None
B. M.B.C. Update/Budget Development
Tom Irzyk conducted an initial review of the draft budget and principals’ initiatives. The board asked that further research be done regarding the asbestos removal and re-tiling at A.R.D. The request for an additional grade 6 teacher was detailed. The board expressed interest in exploring a formal gifted/talented program. Space for this additional teacher was discussed. A.E.S. initiatives include a part-time health instructor, bathroom upgrades and asbestos removed on the first floor. The budget draft was reviewed and several changes were noted. Tom Irzyk asked if an analysis of technology services and current spending could be done so the board could make decisions regarding possibly re-defining the position. Documentation on coaches’ salaries was requested. Various lines were questioned and explained.
6. New Business
C. Contract/Staff
Requests
At
Tom Irzyk YES
Jason Carrier YES
Evelyn Guilbeault YES
Karen LaPlume YES
Louise L’Heureux YES
THE MOTION CARRIED
Present in the non-public session were: Tom Irzyk, Jason Carrier, Evelyn Guilbeault, Karen La Plume, Louise L’Heureux, Terri Kenny, Betsey Cox-Buteau, Tom Haley, Fran Severance.
The board discussed an employee request.
At
Tom Irzyk YES
Jason Carrier YES
Evelyn Guilbeault YES
Karen LaPlume YES
Louise L’Heureux YES
THE MOTION CARRIED
Vice Chair Tom Irzyk reported that no action had been taken in the non-public session.
The board asked that Tom Haley review the status of employees in the food service program.
4. Immediate Business (Cont.)
C. Space Needs Committee Update
Tom Irzyk and Karen LaPlume reviewed the work of the space needs committee. A tour of A.R.D. has brought some code and safety issues to the attention of the committee which some members feel should be addressed prior to any construction at A.E.S. The possibility of moving grade 6 as well as grade 5 was discussed. The architect and construction manager have been invited to a future meeting. The committee has asked that our insurance company conduct building audits.
D. Principals’ Reports
Terri Kenny reviewed the animal survey she conducted. Evelyn Guilbeault noted that the survey does not address health and cleanliness issues. Jason Carrier suggested creating a policy regarding this issue.
A motion was made by Evelyn Guilbeault, seconded by Jason Carrier to create an animals in school policy.
2 IN FAVOR – Jason Carrier and Evelyn Guilbeault
3 OPPOSSED – Tom Irzyk, Louise L’Heureux and Karen LaPlume
THE MOTION FAILED
Terri also reviewed operation backpack and the state testing. She described several assemblies and teacher workshops. Fire prevention week activities were conducted. She reviewed open house.
Betsey Cox-Buteau discussed planning of the grade 8 class trip.
A motion was made by Karen LaPlume, seconded by Louise L’Heureux, to approve the class trip.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
She
provided further information on planning for a more formal gifted and talented
program. Tom Irzyk asked about the
status of the after-school bus and about plans to complete painting in the
entrance way.
The edline demonstration will be
done at the next board meeting. Betsey
Cox-Buteau briefly explained the program.
5. Old/Unfinished Business
A. A.E.S. Parking
Tom Irzyk reviewed issues with staff parking at A.E.S. The board reviewed his draft letter and authorized sending it to staff. The board decided not to request the posting of the road at this time. Terri asked the board for permission to install some lighting for the new lot. The board agreed to fix the current lights and add one additional. The board will be informed of the cost once established.
B. Annuity Request
The board reviewed a request to pay additional annuity funds based upon an error in the previous paraprofessional contract. The board noted that there was a previous vote that this request could not be honored. The board decided it did not wish to vote on this matter again.
6. New Business
(Cont.)
A.
Tom Irzyk reviewed the recent A.R.E.A. meeting and the intent of A.R.E.A. boards to study the long-range needs for high school facilities.
B. Transportation Contract
The school board discussed the proposed transportation contract with Dail Transportation. The major change is fuel surcharge. The board asked Tom Haley to discuss the proposal and place the matter on its next agenda for action.
Louise
L’Heureux asked if a letter could be distributed seeking help in restoring the
C. Contract/Staff Requests (Cont.)
The school board expressed no concerns in allowing for a staff computer purchase program to be offered again this year.
The
board discussed a requested bus stop on
7. Other
Business
A. Agenda Preparation
At the next business meeting, the board asked to concentrate on budget development. Other matters will include a decision on the bus stop request, demonstration of the edline system and consideration of a new bus contract with Dail Transportation.
8. Adjournment
At
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION PASSED
The next Allenstown
Board meeting is scheduled for
9. Informational Items
None